Car won't start :-(

[scooby_doo_do]

Well, tried to fire up the spyder tonight and it just won't start. :-(

Battery fully charged (Red Top 40)

Last time i took the car for a drive, the car was fine, but i noticed the starter motor was having trouble starting/turning over. I've since had the starter off, and cleaned it all up and replaced the solonoid for a new one. Had it all tested on a bench and it worked a treat (In fact we tested it with a piece of wood which it cut through in no time) - this was with a different battery though.

Put it all back on the car and turn the key - and nothing. I here a click when the solonoid engages, but it just doesn't turn.

Could it be i have a nackered battery?

Any ideas on a postcode..

The car's starting to annoy me now... every time i try to do something on it, it breaks... :-(

Thanks

Craig.

[738 driver]

Have you attempted a jump-start Craig?
Does the engine turn over by hand.... spanner on a pulley or rock the car in gear to check...(make sure you take it back out of gear after you have tried this though!!)

Also, whilst you have the jump leads handy you could run the black jump lead from the battery earth direct to the engine block to eliminate earth problems.

Edited by 738 driver on Wednesday 15th April 20:09

[Bitzleftover]

Hi,try checking your earths to ensure good contact.

[cortina1]

....and your battery +ve ang -ve terminals are tight....

[cliveg]

Its worth checking the battery with a meter. Mine died a year after SVA, although to be fair it had been in the car for 3 years before that during the build.

[60mph]

Check ALL cotacts on that circuit . If the engine doesn't crank and the Volts on battery drop to zero it's a flat or dead battery . Volts running should be 14/15 to prove alternator is charging .

Frank

[scooby_doo_do]

All the connections seem ok. Battery showing as fully charged on the charger.

Maybe I'll run an additional earth to the casing from the chasis? But first I'm going to try a set of jump leads and another battery.

The battery is about 10 years old, not sure what the life on these is?

[shithotfast]

scooby_doo_do said:

The battery is about 10 years old, not sure what the life on these is?

10 years! I replace all mine after 5 years max. They may last longer, but then you get stuck at the wrongtime/place. Note all the warrentys are 3/5 years which is a clue.... They are so cheap (compared to the hassel of a dead one) I am on my 3rd in my spyder after 11 years.

I would replace it anyway.

[shithotfast]

scooby_doo_do said:

The car's starting to annoy me now... every time i try to do something on it, it breaks... :-(

Thanks

Craig.

Ps - welcome to the world of Ultimas!

[qwick]

Have you tried bump starting it?

[60mph]

The point is to check the volts while the engine is cranking or attempting to crank ! Ten year old battery ought to be in the Ultima Museum ; if there isn't one they can now start one . 95% chance battery is your problem and cranking volts will be circa 3 from experience .

Frank .

[scooby_doo_do]

yes ok, I'm guessing it's battery related. What's better than a red top 40? Cost in mind?

Thanks , craig

Just had worksdoo, on train in bad way!! Whoops,

[Graham-P]

Craig,
I have a 625(?) that should get you out of trouble. I'm at home today finishing the decorating.
Give me a call

Graham

[scooby_doo_do]

Thanks for the offer graham. I'm going to try another battery and a set of jump leads tommorrow.. If all fails I'll drop you a line! Well meet up one day!

[scooby_doo_do]

Well tried to start again today and had a slight sucsess, car turned over briefly before not wanting to start again.

Had a freind start the car whilst i was checking the battery, and the drain went from say 13.8v to about 10v and steadily dropping.

Tried a set of jump leads and his car, and car turned over instantly. ... . . . .

Looks like the battery is shot, so ordering a new one now ;-)